Academic Upgrading, Certificate

Start small but dream Big! We offer programs from basic literacy through high school upgrading including Foundations and Intermediate Academic Upgrading Certificates.

Upgrading Instructor with students

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

None

Study options

Full-time

Part-time

Open to International

Yes

Length

4 months

Tuition-free

Upgrading courses and programs are tuition-free for domestic students.
Grant info

A supportive learning community

Learn in a safe and inclusive environment with guidance when you need it on everything from career planning and personal counselling to financial aid and educational support.

A diverse team of three individuals, consisting of a college instructor, one student in her early 20's and students and a mature student collaborating reviewing a math problem..

Camosun's small class sizes mean students receive more one on one time with instructors.

Advantages of upgrading at Camosun

  • A flexible class schedule to fit your busy life including online, asynchronous, synchronous, part-time, full-time, daytime, or evening classes.
  • If you’re working towards admission into another Camosun program and enrolled in the courses you need to meet its admission requirements, your application may be granted provisional qualification status. You’ll need to complete your prerequisite courses at least two months before the start of your program starts.
  • Study in your community. Camosun offers upgrading courses at community based sites to make it easier to begin or return to learning. 
  • Access expert tutors through our Academic Help Centres.
  • Earn university credits by taking elective courses that are eligible for university transfer.

Apply today

Programs

BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) and upgrading courses

Camosun offers a range of upgrading (college prep) courses in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics to prepare you to enter trades, career programs or college and university programs and courses to help you gain admission requirements or finish grade 12.

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.

Program outline

Certificate in Fundamental Academic Upgrading

The Foundations Academic Upgrading program is designed for students who want to upgrade their basic reading, writing, and math skills.

This program is available full or part-time and varies in completion time.  

What comes next?

Completion of this program certificate can prepare students for academic upgrading courses at the Intermediate level, and, in some cases, will provide direct entry into some college programs. For a full understanding of how this certificate can lead to other programs, current students are encouraged to see an Academic Advisor.

Certificate in Intermediate Academic Upgrading

The certificate in Intermediate Academic Upgrading is designed for students requiring upgrading in math and English, as well as students who wish to undertake career exploration combined with academic preparation. 

This program is available full or part-time and varies in completion time.

What comes next?

Completion of this certificate prepares students for courses at the Advanced (math) and Provincial levels (English) with ENGL 050, and for direct entry into Technology Access Programs, Health Care Assistant, as well as the math for the Electrical Foundation Program.

Apply today

Programs

BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) and upgrading courses

Camosun offers a range of upgrading (college prep) courses in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics to prepare you to enter trades, career programs or college and university programs and courses to help you gain admission requirements or finish grade 12.

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

Estimated tuition

Academic upgrading

For domestic students, 0-level upgrading courses are tuition-free. Tuition fees, for other courses, vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees

Financial assistance

The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) covers student fees, deposit, tuition (if applicable), required textbooks and childcare support for eligible students enrolled in 0-level upgrading courses.

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards 

Admission requirements

 

Fundamental Upgrading and Intermediate Upgrading

All of:

  • By assessment

    *Students are admitted based on their previous educational background and experience. A student should contact the Assessment Centre for an English or mathematics assessment. 

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...

Ready to get started?

Apply today

Missing admission requirements?

You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.

Need help applying?

Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.

Talk to a student navigator

Student navigators and the department chair, Zahra Khimji are available to answer general questions and share their student experiences. 

Email upgrade@camosun.ca or call weekdays, 8am-4pm

Tia Primrose: Text or Call: 250-216-7156 or 250-370-3466 (call)

Valerie Neaves: Call: 250-370-3847

Faculty/staff profile

Puja Gupta

Puja Gupta

Acting Associate Dean/Math Instructor

guptap@camosun.ca
250-370-3489
Ewing Building
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

Mark Kunen

Mark Kunen

English and Math Instructor

kunen@camosun.ca
250-370-4961
Victoria Native Friendship Centre
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

Augustine (Ruse) Rusekampunzi

Augustine (Ruse) Rusekampunzi

Math Instructional Assistant - Academic Upgrading

ruse@camosun.ca
250-370-4489
CBA 108
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

Zack (Richard) Zajchowski

Zack (Richard) Zajchowski

Instructor, Academic and Career Foundations

zackr@camosun.ca
250-370-4915
CBA 110
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

null

Atulah Kennedy

Academic and Career Foundations, English Teacher

kennedya@camosun.ca
250-370-4953
Centre for Business and Access
Full bio

Upgrading trades student in front of servers

Learn more

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar. 

Contact information

Contact a Student Navigator or Department Chair

Campus location

Student Navigators are available on both campuses weekdays, 8am-4pm

upgrade@camosun.ca


Tia Primrose: 250-370-3466 or 250-216-7156 (text or call)

Valerie Neaves: 250-370-3847 or 250-216-8692 (text or call)

Zahra Khimji, Chair:  khimjiz@camosun.ca or 250-370-4911 (call)

 

Admission questions